CFA or CIPM or CAIA???
what does everyone think is better to have to make a move into a hedge fund analyst position?
what does everyone think is better to have to make a move into a hedge fund analyst position?
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how about some relevant experience?
make a move from where?
here's a quick rundown of my experience. i have 5 years at SmithBarney, the private wealth management arm of Citigroup. i've been an intern, sales assistant, and now the reasearch/investment analyst for my team. we have $700AUM. i handle reasearch for securities, and sectors per our clients requests and provide advice. our main clients are very analytical, so i get quality exposure to different security types.
HF would focus more on your quantitative and programming skills rather than just a qualification. None of the people I know who work in HF has CIPM or CAIA. If you do want to take one of them, I would recommend CFA coz it has the best reputation. The other two are rubbish and doesnt help at all.
CFA...
I think CAIA curriculum is actually most relevant to PWM or just a straight AI group or Fund of Funds...
isnt the PWM to HF move hard to make? or do u know other analysts in ur group that have made it?
CFA would be well received
Is a CFA sufficient as a professional qualification along with Bachelor's in Commerce (Accounting) with Honors or does on also needs to have an MBA?
CFA, especially in Asia well-regarderd
I think this is a no brainier. The CFA is the most prestigious and best recognized charter. Don't beat around the bush and go for others.
I´ll second that
CFA vs. CAIA (Originally Posted: 07/18/2009)
What are the similarities/differences between the CFA and CAIA designations? What would you recommend for a first year analyst in an energy trading shop with aspirations to move into trading at a HF? I should add that I'd expect to learn methods that will be somewhat applicable in the modeling of financial and non-financial assets. Any opinions on which designation to choose or if it may be more beneficial to commit 110% to advance in the company?
CAIA is more for FoF.
Agree with timergooff. I had folks telling me "CAIA is better for PE as it puts a stronger PE emphasis", not realising this is apparently exclusively FoF-related stuff.
I have no clue about markets/trading/HF but if you were looking to move from consulting to PE, CFA would give you a marginally higher edge as it covers the interesting valuation bits.
CAIA vs CFA (Originally Posted: 06/24/2010)
CAIA vs CFA? Which is a more worthwhile pursuit if wanting to get into AM?
CFA
^^and that about wraps it up.
CAIA?
CAIA is really big in Europe I believe. Go with the CFA, that is the industry standard. FRM, PRM, CAIA, all that other stuff is good, but only after you get the CFA.
If you want to do FoFs in particular then the CAIA is better. Anything else go for CFA. CAIA really is just a compliment to the CFA. It is great for FoFs, and analyzing managers, CFA doesn't even go into that. However CFA will always be the gold standard.
I am also interested in AM (particularly private capital, and PE-related investments), but I've decided on CFA.
Why? Because all of the MDs/Heads have CFAs, and CFAs seem to respect one another over their non-charter-holding peers. They can't relate to the CAIA as much, even if it is more relevant for the position. Trust me, I'd rather just take the CAIA (more interesting, and only 2 exams), but I imagine one would get more out of their CFA.
I would love to hear more opinions, though.
CFA
I agree the person above summed it best, it is the gold standard. The head people have it. And you will be viewed with more respect than a non-CFA (that includes a non-CFA with an MBA). The ultimate combo would be the MBA and CFA together after that you are done.
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